Meet Benji’s: The Ancoats homeware brand born in lockdown
After both losing their hospitality jobs due to Manchester's Tier 3 measures, Ben and Jamie jumped headfirst into launching their cosy and creative homeware brand: Benji's.
With England plunging into ‘Lockdown 2.0’ – this time with wet weather and darker evenings – feeling cosy and comfortable at home is more important than ever.
Thankfully, there’s a little company over in Ancoats that’s committed to keep the entire city of Manchester comfortable: Benji’s.
A homeware brand specialising in quirky and creative decorations, Benji’s was launched after the two founders Ben and Jamie received countless compliments from friends and family on their unusual homeware pieces that couldn’t be found on the high street.
The duo realised that there may be a wider market for offbeat homeware – and decided to leap head first into their work.
Earlier in the year, Ben and Jamie both lost their hospitality jobs as Manchester moved into Tier 3, but being made redundant proved to be a blessing in disguise.
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It encouraged them to take their venture full time.
Speaking to The Manc, the owners said: “This was a big leap and a big risk, but […] it wasn’t ever a hesitation…”
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“It was fight or flight – so we took an idea and ran with it.
“By no means are we graphic designers, interior designers or even marketers. We’re just two boys with a passion for home comforts, and we’re making a go of something we enjoy.”
Operating Benji’s from their Ancoats home, Ben and Jamie are all-too-aware of the struggles of living in a place that can’t be customised and doesn’t truly feel like home.
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Their adorable home accessories offer small but important additions to help people transform a particular space.
“Benji’s has always been about loving the space that you’re in”, the owners tell us.
“We’re renters, and we know that small finishing touches really can make you appreciate your home more.”
The unique designs of Benji’s combine the pair’s inspirations to create a quirky yet cosy collection.
Ben offers the more ‘out there’, eclectic pieces like the zebra vase and bold planters, whereas Jamie’s frequent visits to Norway have added more of a Scandi vibe to the collection with throws, cushions and candles.
Although their inspiration has taken them far afield, Benji’s’ homeware collection is very much rooted in Manchester – with the brand keen to pay “homage to the city and all its greatness.”
Ben is a born-and-bred Mancunian; Jamie has been an adopted northerner for six years.
Their passion for the city is reflected in their range of worker bee products: The emblem of Manchester.
Moving ahead, the main priority for Benji’s is to stay true to themselves and their undeniable love for homeware.
“We started this as a passion, sourcing things we would actually have in our home,” they said.
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“A lot of products don’t make the cut, because we only want to bring pieces that we genuinely enjoy.”
It’s this genuine spirit that really makes their collection stand out.
Whether you know the perfect person to gift a wild Zebra vase or you want a cosy throw to snuggle under while watching some festive films, you will be spoilt for choice this Christmas with Benji’s range of cute and creative products.
Although the future is daunting for many small businesses during the pandemic, Ben and Jamie remain upbeat.
“We’re taking every day as it comes, and love what we’re doing.
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“We’re constantly thinking about the next step, whilst being realistic.”
We’re confident that they’ll be one to watch in the new year.
You can also follow their Instagram and Facebook to be the first to find out when products arrive back in stock.
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Unknown Mortal Orchestra announce Manchester gig among just a handful of UK dates on European tour
Danny Jones
One of our favourite live acts we’ve ever seen is coming back to Manchester as Unknown Mortal Orchestra are set for a stunning return to the city – and at one of our most beloved venues, no less.
The New Zealand psychedelia-infused rock and indie outfit may not be on everyone’s radar just yet, but the genre-bending outfit is comfortably up there with some of the best we’ve ever had the privilege of seeing in the flesh.
Currently based in Portland, Oregon, in the States, Unknown Mortal Orchestra (UMO) is fronted by multi-instrumentalist and visionary experimentalist producer, Ruban Nielson, who first began the project on his own over a decade and a half ago.
Closer to a three-piece these days, you won’t find many bands that boast a collection of such varied and talented musicians, and they’re heading to Albert Hall.
As detailed by Albert Hall themselves, this show is also just one among a very small handful of dates here in the UK as part of their run of shows across Europe.
Other shows include one on the night following their Manchester gig over in Yorkshire, which our friends at The Sheff will no doubt be buzzing about, as well as on opening night at Barrowland in Glasgow ahead of a four-show residency in London.
Dubbing their work as nothing short of “psychedelic mastery” (we couldn’t agree more), the iconic live music space will be welcoming them early next year after landing on the mainland continent.
Other stops on the 2026 Unknown Mortal Orchestra European tour include Lithuania, Latvia and Poland; Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Holland, Belgium and Paris.
Now consisting of Nielsen, bassist Jacob Portait, and often Ruban’s brother as well as fellow singer-songwriter, musician and engineer, Kody Neilson – also known for his work with The Mint Chicks, Opossom, Silicone and more – all of whom are as talented in the studio as they are on stage.
They also happen to have one of our favourite Tiny Desks of all time.
Sorry, but this HAS to be up in there in the top 10.
The London residency already looks to be in high demand, so you can bet their only date here in Manchester and at a venue like Albert Hall will sell out extremely fast.
As well as an entirely instrumental outing earlier this year, UMO also dropped their latest EP entitled CURSE back in June, and it’s fair to say it’s some of the most ‘out-there’ material to date.
If you haven’t listened to it yet and are just expecting more art-poppy indie bops like ‘Hunnybee’, you couldn’t be more wrong…
Unknown Mortal Orchestra play the Albert Hall in Manchester on Friday, 27 March, and you can get ready to grab your tickets right HERE.
Kore Studios – A new reformer pilates studio with a smoothie and acai bar has opened in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
A brand-new reformer pilates studio has opened in Manchester, with its own on-site acai bowl and smoothie bar.
Kore Studios is a new wellness destination for the city, just off the busy drag of Deansgate.
It’s a design-led, calming space, all neutral natural textures and soft lighting, with 12 premium reformer beds in the studio and a full health bar in the front.
On the menu here you’ll find a menu of nutritious smoothies, juices, acai bowls and matchas, including beautiful dupes of the viral Erewhon smoothies.
Highlights from the Kore Studios acai menu include the Amazon Classic with banana, strawberries, granola and coconut, and the Power Bowl with peanut butter, banana, chia seeds and almond butter.
There are also tropical acai bowls, and some piled with a dollop of Nutella for more of a treat.
As for the smoothies, expect drinks like the Avocado Matcha Magic, a Tropical Sunshine, and a Green Glow Detox, plus a selection of flavoured matchas.
Erewhon dupe smoothies at Kore StudiosKore Studios – A new reformer pilates studio with a smoothie and acai bar has opened in ManchesterA selection of acai bowlsInside the Kore Studios smoothie and acai barThere are 12 reformer pilates bedsThe beautiful changing rooms at Kore Studios
The fitness studio itself at Kore Studios brings another reformer pilates spot to Manchester, with top-quality equipment stashed within reaching distance of every bed (no awkward queueing to grab a set of hand weights).
The team have gathered some of the city’s top instructors together for a best-in-class schedule of reformer pilates sessions, as well as mat pilates and barre classes, with something to suit all abilities.
Kore Studios is open now at 31-33 King Street West in Manchester city centre.
Memberships start at £80 per month with a special £10 introductory offer class aimed at first-timers.